It is with deepest sorrow we announce the passing of Zena Minuk on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at the Simkin Centre in Winnipeg.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband William (Bill) Minuk and her parents Max and Sara Kirshner.

She leaves to mourn her beloved children, Dr. Howard (Dr. Cheryl), Dr. Rick (Francine), and Dr. Terry (Dr. Bev); her nine grandchildren, Marlee, Zachary (Janna), Jennifer (Jarrett), Ashley (Fraser), Carly (Pieter-Jan), Jeffrey, Mark, Steven and Devin; her six great-grandchildren, Kenzi, Madison, Scarlett, Wyatt, William and Katelyn; her brother Ron Kirshner (Monique), brother-in-law Bert Minuk, and sisters-in-law Esther Minuk and Doris Steiman.  Zena also leaves to mourn her many cherished nieces and nephews and large extended family.

Zena was born in Portage la Prairie on September 17, 1927 and raised in MacGregor, Manitoba.  She moved to Winnipeg to study Home Economics at the University of Manitoba.  Zena met her husband Bill in Winnipeg and they were married in 1948. They became a devoted and inseparable couple, maintaining a “twinkle-in-their-eye relationship” for 59 years of marriage. Zena was Bill’s loving companion, and her constant support and encouragement were instrumental to the success of his business.  Zena and Bill spent many winters at their Florida condominium where they made many close friends. They enjoyed summers in Winnipeg with their large, close-knit family. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were a constant source of pride.

Zena was an expert player of Mahjong, Pan, and Rummi-Q, which she enjoyed regularly with groups of her treasured girlfriends.  The games set the stage for lively afternoons of chit chatting, noshing, and laughter.  Zena was a fabulous hostess, famous for her quick-wit and entertaining storytelling.  Her guests were always greeted to an exquisite table, a delicious meal and especially tasty desserts that kept them coming back.

The Minuk family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Simkin Centre and her companions Anna, Dinah, Mila, Marissa, Aida, Minda, Grace and Fidelyn for the wonderful and compassionate care they provided to Zena.

A private graveside service was held at Shaarey Zedek cemetery on Friday, February 8, 2019.  Pallbearers were Dr. Barry Weinstein, Dr. Danny Yan, Dr. Harvey Frankel, Jeffrey Kliman, Arnie Moss and Jerry Shell.

Donations may be made in Zena’s memory to the Zena & Bill Minuk Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba
204-477-7520 or to a charity of choice.

The moment that you left me my heart split in two,
One side filled with memories and the other side died with you.
I often lay awake at night when the world is fast asleep,
And take a walk down memory lane with tears upon my cheek.
Remembering you is easy,  I do it everyday,
But missing you is a heartache that never goes away.
I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain.
You see life has gone on without you,
But will never be the same.
Anonymous